Irvine, CA – December 12, 2025 – Joshua David Chapin (CRD# 5825638), a financial advisor registered with Emerson Equity LLC, has two pending customer complaints on his FINRA BrokerCheck record. Both complaints allege misconduct related to real estate securities, including breach of fiduciary duty, negligence, and violations of federal and state securities laws. This post provides a detailed overview of the disclosures, explains investor rights, and outlines potential recovery options through FINRA arbitration.
BrokerCheck Snapshot
Name: Joshua David Chapin
CRD #: 5825638
Firm: Emerson Equity LLC
Location: Irvine, CA
Years in Industry: 15
Number of Disclosures: 2
Customer Complaints Against Joshua David Chapin
According to FINRA BrokerCheck records, Joshua David Chapin is named in two pending customer complaints, both filed in September 2025 while he was associated with Emerson Equity LLC. The details are as follows:
Complaint 1
Complaint Filed: September 17, 2025
FINRA Case Number: 25-01960
Date Complaint Received: September 17, 2025
Employing Firm: Emerson Equity LLC, Irvine, CA
Product Involved: Real Estate Security
Allegations: Negligence and breach of fiduciary duty in 2023
Alleged Damages: Undetermined (claimant is requesting damages, attorney’s fees, rescission, interest, costs, and any further relief the panel deems just and proper)
Status: Pending
Complaint 2
Complaint Filed: September 24, 2025
FINRA Case Number: 25-01799
Date Complaint Received: September 24, 2025
Employing Firm: Emerson Equity LLC, Irvine, CA
Product Involved: Real Estate Security
Allegations: Violation of Federal Securities Laws, Violations of the California Securities Act, Breach of Contract, Common Law Fraud, Breach of Fiduciary Duty, Negligence and Gross Negligence
Activity Period: Trades conducted in 2021 and 2022
Alleged Damages: Undetermined (claimants seek compensatory damages, benefit of the bargain damages, lost opportunity costs, model portfolio damages, prejudgment interest, costs, reasonable attorney’s fees, punitive damages, and other such relief as is deemed necessary and proper)
Status: Pending
Both complaints involve allegations related to real estate securities, with investors alleging various forms of misconduct including breach of fiduciary duty, negligence, fraud, and violations of securities laws. The cases are currently pending before FINRA arbitration panels.
Pattern of Complaints / Risk Factors
While the specific damages amounts have not been disclosed, both complaints involve real estate securities and allege serious misconduct including breach of fiduciary duty and securities law violations. Multiple complaints alleging similar types of investments and similar misconduct may indicate concerns about unsuitable investment recommendations, inadequate risk disclosures, or misrepresentation of investment characteristics. Investors who purchased real estate securities or similar alternative investments through Mr. Chapin should carefully review their account statements and investment documentation.
Can Investors Recover Losses?
Investors who experienced fiduciary duty violations, negligence, or were victims of fraud or misrepresentation may be entitled to recover their losses through FINRA arbitration. When a financial advisor breaches their fiduciary duty, makes misrepresentations, or recommends unsuitable investments, it may constitute broker misconduct.
Patil Law, P.C. has over 15 years of experience representing investors in FINRA arbitration and securities litigation, with more than $25 million recovered for clients across 1,000+ cases. We provide a free, confidential consultation to review your potential claim. Our firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless we successfully recover money for you.
About FINRA Arbitration
FINRA arbitration is a streamlined dispute resolution process for securities-related claims. It offers a faster, more cost-effective alternative to traditional court litigation. Most cases are resolved within 12-16 months. Claims generally must be filed within six years of the incident, though the timeline can vary depending on the specific circumstances of each case.
Related Brokers and Firms
Investors who worked with advisors at Emerson Equity LLC may want to review their account statements for similar issues. Common problems with real estate securities include recommendations of unsuitable investments, inadequate disclosure of illiquidity risks, misrepresentation of returns or safety, and failure to supervise by the brokerage firm.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the complaints against Joshua David Chapin?
Mr. Chapin is named in two pending customer complaints filed in September 2025. The first alleges negligence and breach of fiduciary duty in 2023 involving real estate securities. The second alleges violations of federal and state securities laws, breach of contract, fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, and negligence related to trades conducted in 2021 and 2022. Both cases are pending before FINRA arbitration panels.
Can investors recover losses involving Emerson Equity LLC?
Yes, investors who suffered losses due to unsuitable recommendations, breach of fiduciary duty, fraud, or other forms of broker misconduct may be entitled to pursue recovery through FINRA arbitration. Emerson Equity LLC is a FINRA member organization, and investors have the right to file arbitration claims against registered representatives and their employing firms.
What is FINRA arbitration?
FINRA arbitration is a dispute resolution forum specifically designed for investment-related claims between investors and brokerage firms or brokers. It is typically faster and less expensive than traditional litigation. An independent arbitration panel hears evidence from both sides and issues a binding decision. Most investor agreements with brokerage firms include mandatory arbitration clauses.
What does “unsuitable investment” mean?
An unsuitable investment is one that does not align with an investor’s financial situation, investment objectives, risk tolerance, age, or investment experience. Financial advisors have a regulatory obligation to recommend only suitable investments. Recommending illiquid or high-risk investments like real estate securities to conservative investors or those who need liquidity may constitute unsuitability.
How do I look up a broker on BrokerCheck?
Visit FINRA’s BrokerCheck website at brokercheck.finra.org and search by the broker’s name or CRD number. The report will show the broker’s employment history, qualifications, and any disclosure events including customer complaints, regulatory actions, or terminations. All registered brokers are required to maintain accurate disclosure records.
What should I do if I suspect broker misconduct?
First, gather all account statements, correspondence, and investment documentation. Review your losses and the nature of the investments recommended. Then, file a complaint with FINRA and consult with a securities attorney who can evaluate whether you have a viable claim. Time limits apply, so it’s important to act promptly.
About Patil Law, P.C.
Patil Law, P.C. is a securities litigation firm dedicated to representing investors who have suffered losses due to broker misconduct, unsuitable recommendations, and securities fraud. Founded in 2018 by attorney Chetan Patil, the firm focuses exclusively on FINRA arbitration and investment loss recovery.
With over 15 years of combined experience in securities law, Patil Law has successfully recovered more than $25 million for clients across 1,000+ cases. Attorney Chetan Patil earned his law degree from Case Western Reserve University School of Law. Attorneys Gabriela Dubrocq and Patricia Herrera earned their law degrees from University of Miami. The firm handles cases nationwide involving unauthorized trading, churning, unsuitable investments, breach of fiduciary duty, and failure to supervise.
Patil Law works on a contingency fee basis, meaning clients pay no attorney fees unless the firm successfully recovers money on their behalf. All consultations are free and confidential.
Contact Patil Law for a Free Consultation
If you lost money after investing with Joshua David Chapin or any broker at Emerson Equity LLC, we can help. Our experienced securities attorneys will review your case at no cost and explain your options for recovering your investment losses.
Call us today at 800-950-6553 or email info@patillaw.com to schedule your free, confidential consultation. We handle cases nationwide and work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we win.
Disclaimer:
The information in this post is based on FINRA BrokerCheck records and public filings. Allegations described are pending or unproven and may be contested. All investors are entitled to fair treatment under securities laws. This is attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. This communication is for informational purposes only and does not create an attorney-client relationship.
